Why Mauricio Pochettino’s USWNT Praise Important For USMNT
Mauricio Pochettino officially was introduced as the newest United States men's national team head coach, and the Argentinian hit all the right notes.
The United States Soccer Federation had to act quickly after firing Gregg Berhalter in July following the USMNT's disastrous exit from the Copa América. Multiple candidates were speculated, but it was Pochettino that earned the job.
The former Tottenham manager's introductory news conference Friday was what fans should expect from a new manager. The 52-year-old had generic praise for the roster pool and kept the American mantra of "believe" when it came to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup that will be hosted in North America. There was one moment that stood out.
"One of the most important things that we need to aspire to is the women's team," Pochettino told reporters, per Backheeld's Joe Lowery. "We have Emma that is the best coach in the world, and the women's team in history won everything. We need to match you."
The success of the United States women's national team was one of the main drivers for the players to seek equal pay. The USWNT has won four World Cups and this year won its five Olympic gold medals. The best result for the USMNT in the World Cup was third place in 1930.
Pochettino had more praise for Hayes going back to their respective Chelsea tenures for the men's and women's teams. It showed a forward-thinking perspective from Pochettino and a willingness to aspire to higher levels.
It presented optimism for more cohesion between the sides which isn't always seen in the public eye. Pochettino showed humility that fans thought his predecessor never did, which added to the optimism around the USMNT.
Granted, Berhalter expressed similar aspirations when he said he wanted the USMNT to play a similar style as the top European teams only for his system to falter and fail to adapt to the international game.
Pochettino has not coached at the international level, which will be a learning curve that he is confident he can figure out with less than 10 international windows before the 2026 World Cup. His club success left a lot to be desired, but fans argue his style could be suited for the international game.
No team has won the World Cup with a foreign manager, but the USMNT hopes Pochettino can help it be the first.